The newspaper headline read:
RACY NEW TEEN NOVEL GUARANTEES HOT SUMMER.

That is only one of several sentiments expressed regarding "Premature Pleasures", the racy new teen novel garnering lots of attention, criticism and acclaim. It is a story that explores the power of influence.

Set in an apartment complex in Southeast Houston, "Premature Pleasures" follows the experiences one summer of 11-year old Trekela Baden who is being negatively persuaded by the antics of her wild and sexually loose teen girlfriends. That is, until Trek meets Ms. Denise, a 20-something year old seminary student who builds a relationship with Trek and demonstrates the ability of one positive person to make a difference.

Written in current street vernacular with an intentional edge, "Premature Pleasures" was written to compete with the rap lyricists for the attention of our children. But is it too much?

"Absolutely not!" touts author Alexus Rhone.

"Today is not a day to be afraid to come real with our young people," Rhone says in defense of her edgy, page-turning debut novel, recently listed on the local bestseller's list for Children/Young Adults in the Houston Chronicle.

"Premature Pleasures" provides a panoramic view into the lives of children's activities when their parents are working and they are left home alone with nothing constructive to do.

In addition to booksignings and teen book club discussions around the region, Rhone will also host a three-hour radio forum on teen sexuality in conjunction with Urban/Hip-Hop radio station KBXX/97.9 FM in October, and will be a featured speaker for the Houston Public Library Teen Read Week October 15-19.

Rhone, an active mentor and former human resources practitioner, holds a Bachelor of Journalism/Public Relations degree from the University of Texas at Austin and is currently pursuing a Masters of Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary.

Unshackled Publishing
P.O. Box 11773
Tempe,AZ 85284

http://www.unshackledpublishing.com